Drowning in Noise

I walk to the edge, teetering on the decision whether to jump right in or take the more forgiving stairs. They always say to rip the bandaid right off rather than taking it off slowly. So I comply. I jump in and the creamy water swallows me up. Wow, it's a lot warmer than I thought it would be. Or is it so cold that it's numbing? I don't care, I'm completely submerged in clear water rippling over me. I left all of my cares on the other side of the water, and I'm down here now. The water is deep and soundless. All I hear is the splashing above. What is that? I hear the noise of trickling water hitting against the surface. I go up to take a breath. It's raining. No, it's pouring. I war right, the water is warm. But the rain is cold. Piercing me with its drops. Should I get out? I don't hear thunder or see lightning. I assume it's safe. I take in as much air as I can and dip my head back under water. The smooth pitter-patter of the rain is almost calming, as though it's happening outside a window, but more muffled. I open my eyes. The blue-green water is welcoming. It's not like it's drowning me, but it's trying to keep me under. It knows all that is happening outside of the pool and it wants me to stay safe and calm in its warm water. I suddenly remember that I'm human, and need air. I struggle to the surface and gulp in a huge breath including air and water. I cough the chlorine and pool water out of my throat and spit it out on the side. It's really raining now, so I guess I should return inside.

It's cold in here. The power has gone out and the family isn't here. The sound of loneliness has flooded all around me just like the pool water did. I'm scared. More than I was in the water. Where do I go? I feel trapped in the middle of an open hallway with plenty of pathways to take. I journey down the one that brings me to my bedroom, closing the door behind me. I try to turn on the lights, remembering the power outage. I glance at the mirror. Everything looks grey. It must be a result of the lights being out. The cork board design all around my mirror catches my interest, and I look at the memories that have been tacked up there. Memories reminding me that I'm never alone... then how come I feel this way? The power returns on with a quick buzzing sound and the whooshing noise of the air conditioning. I feel like the power has been zapped back into me, too. I tuck my towel around my waist, and walk out of my room.